Who Makes The Best Compact Track Loader

February 21, 2024

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Updated July 25, 2023

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Compact track loaders (CTLs), also called tracked skid steers, are machines seen on almost every project. They are capable of lifting, digging, moving, grading, and much more. When paired with the right attachments it becomes one of the most versatile pieces of machinery in the construction industry.

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There are many brands that manufacture compact track loaders. They come in a variety of frames that indicate their lifting capacity and engine power. Which specifications you prioritize will determine which construction equipment supplier makes the best CTL for your needs. When picking the best compact track loader for your project, it’s important to consider all your options.

This article is a complete compact track loader size guide. We’ll break down the size ranges for this equipment as well as an overview of the specs for every model from the top compact track loader brands in the industry. Skip ahead to the following brand and their specs:

ASV
Bobcat
CASE
Caterpillar
Develon
GEHL
Hyundai
JCB
John Deere
Kubota
Manitou
New Holland
Takeuchi
Wacker Neuson
Yanmar

The Sizes of Compact Track Loader Frames

Each compact track loader model fits into three different size categories: small, medium, or large, similar to skid steers. The largest distinction within these categories is rated operating capacity (ROC) which indicates how much weight the machine can safely lift without tipping. The ROC is calculated as 35% of the machine’s tipping load (as opposed to 50% for skid steers).

Small-framed track loaders have operating capacities under 2,000 lbs and engines under 70 hp. Their operating weight is about 8,000 lbs or less. A medium-framed loader has a ROC between 2,000 and 3,000 lbs, varies in horsepower from 70 to 74, and an operating weight between 8,000 and 10,000 lbs. The largest frame of this equipment comes with an operating capacity in excess of 3,000 lbs, horsepower exceeding 74 (up to an industry-best 132), and a weight of 10,000 lbs or more.

With such a wide range of equipment available, what kind of jobs are these different frames good for? Small-frame track loaders are generally used for jobs that require the ability to work in tight spaces or projects that are moving lighter materials. The smallest compact track loader in the world is the ASV RT-25, followed by the ASV RT-40. These are the only loaders that have operating weights of less than 4,500 lbs and operating capacities of less than 1,000 lbs.

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Medium-frame loaders are popular across construction and landscaping as they are excellent choices for a wide range of projects. They provide significantly increased engine power to a small-frame machine and substantial lifting capacity, which make them capable of almost any DIY or landscaping project. Though not every manufacturer provides a small-framed model, every brand has at least one medium and large track loader.

The largest compact track loaders are ideal for jobs that require moving large amounts of dirt, gravel, or other materials. These are also good choices for projects that require attachments, like buckets or blades, which often call for increased horsepower. This size of equipment is often used for road building or demolition due to the demand for power and force in these projects.

Important Compact Track Loader Specs to Know

Before we dive into the specs and sizes of each brand’s selection of compact track loaders, we want to focus on providing the most useful information for picking the right CTL. We’ll focus on four categories of specs: ROC, operating weight, horsepower, and lift height at the pin.

As mentioned above, ROC is the weight a specific model can safely lift, this is 35% of the “tipping load” which is the amount the machine could carry without tipping. Rated operating capacities range all the way from 665 lbs to 4,340 lbs, depending on the operating weight of the machine.

Operating weight is the equipment’s weight. This does not factor in extra attachments, fuel, or the operator. Along with horsepower, weight dictates the amount of stress applied to the surrounding environment, so lighter is better if it still gets the job done. Often, lighter equipment is used in environments you want to disrupt less like golf courses, cemeteries, and community parks.

Horsepower is the amount of power the machine’s engine can generate. This is most important to consider when the machine might be used for multitasking, like using hydraulics and other functions simultaneously.

Finally, the lift height to the pin indicates the maximum height reachable by the hinge pin of the track loader. This is a good indicator of the extent of the reach of a machine. You can search DOZR’s equipment rentals for compact track loaders rentals in all sizes and weights.

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of compact track loaders vs skid steers you can also check out our in-depth skid steer spec guide.

Specs and Sizes for Every Brand of Compact Track Loader

ASV

Providing the two smallest models as well as the second largest model of the loader, ASV’s compact track loaders provide a wider variety than any other manufacturer in the market. ASV also provides one vertical lift model, as opposed to radial lift, which provides greater height and operating capacity in comparison with other loaders of similar size. No matter the size of your project, you’re sure to find an ASV CTL for you in their selection.

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ASV Compact Track Loader Specs

Bobcat

Although Bobcat is well known for its skid steers, they make a variety of excellent compact track loaders as well. Bobcat has two series of loaders: the M2-series, which provides great variety and includes some of the most heavy-duty equipment on the market, and the R-series, which they engineered to raise the bar for track loaders and deliver better products to their consumers.

The R-series provides a variation of medium-framed loaders but if you’re looking to do anything with extremely heavy lifting, or seeking a machine for smaller or bigger projects, the M2-series is the way to go. Check out Bobcat’s full compact track loader selection or rent a Bobcat compact track loader from DOZR.

Bobcat Compact Track Loader Specs and Sizes

CASE

The CASE B-series of machines offers a re-imagined operator interface with the goal of simplifying operation to put more control in the hands of the driver. Their selection of models has industry-leading lift heights to go along with excellent ROC, making them extremely capable machines. With great visibility, horsepower, and torque CASE compact track loaders have the strength and performance to handle any job you can imagine.

CASE Compact Track Loader Specs and Sizes

Caterpillar (CAT)

One of the most popular and recognizable brands in construction, CAT equipment is always high performing and reliable. CAT compact track loaders are designed to maximize their useful life and are great for use in landscaping, road work, agriculture, or general construction. If you’re looking for the highest capacity loader you can find, CAT is the way to go, as their 299D3 XE Land Management provides the best ROC on the market while weighing 4,000 lbs less than its counterparts from other brands.

Caterpillar Compact Track Loader Specs

Develon

Although they are new to the compact track loader world, Develon has been manufacturing and supplying construction equipment for years. Previously known as Doosan, Develon decided to enter the CTL market in North America with the DTL35. A large-frame size, the DTL35 can be used for excavating and heavy-duty grading.

Develon Compact Track Loader Specs

GEHL

GEHL specializes in making smaller compact track loaders with four models between 1,000-2,000 lbs and only one model classifying as a large-framed loader. Their largest machine has a vertical lift path, allowing it to operate at a similar weight to their second-largest model while providing significantly increased capacity and horsepower to accompany its minor uptick in height.

GEHL Compact Track Loader Specs

Hyundai

Similar to Develon, Hyundai decided to join the compact track loader market in 2023 with the HT100V. As the only CTL in their portfolio, the HT100V is a medium-frame machine with a vertical lift path. The machines are built on the same chassis as their trusted skid steers but with more technology to protect the undercarriage from damage.

Hyundai Compact Track Loader Specs

JCB

JCB compact track loaders have exceptional visibility and engines that require very little maintenance. Although their selection is among the smallest of the brands on this list, each of their five models is a capable machine. Their selection provides three large-frame machines, which is as many as any of their competitors. JCB should be one of the first brands you consider if you’re looking for a heavy-duty machine.

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JCB Compact Track Loader Specs

John Deere

John Deere has the unique distinction of being the only brand with exclusively vertical-lift compact track loaders. Providing medium and large-framed loaders that reach operating capacities of up to 3,700 lbs, these machines are designed to work comfortably in tight spaces and are easy to trailer to and from the job site. John Deere also manufactures over 100 attachments for CTLs and skid steers so you can adapt your loader to perform a wide array of tasks.

John Deere Compact Track Loader Specs

Kubota

With only three models, Kubota is tied for the smallest selection of loaders among brands on this list. All three of Kubota’s machines are on par with industry standards for their size and are reliable options for most projects. Their equipment is practical, versatile, and maneuverable, making them adaptable to any environment.

Kubota Compact Track Loader Specs

Manitou

With a range of small and medium-framed machines covering both radial and vertical lifts, Manitou compact track loaders offer a compact design that’s great for both construction and agriculture. These machines are capable of operating in tight spaces and on all types of terrain.

Manitou CTLs are also compatible with a variety of compact track loader attachments that can be switched out within minutes to support all sorts of applications. Manitou’s one drawback is that, along with GEHL, they are the most limited brand in terms of capacity on the market, with a maximum ROC of 3,201 lbs.

Manitou Compact Track Loader Specs

New Holland

New Holland may only provide six models of track loaders but they cover about as wide a range as anybody in the industry. From 1,890 lbs all the way up to an industry-best 4,340 lb, not only do they provide models in all three sizes but they also manufacture the highest-reaching track loader in the industry. Any New Holland compact track loader would be an excellent choice for the project you’re working on.

New Holland Compact Track Loader Specs

Takeuchi

Credited with the world’s first compact track loader in 1986, Takeuchi has a wide variety of loaders with both radial and vertical-lift technology. With their largest model, they became one of only three brands to produce a machine exceeding 4,000 lbs of ROC, and provide excellent options for almost any weight, capacity, or engine power you’re looking for.

Takeuchi Compact Track Loader Specs

Wacker Neuson

Providing three models with excellent engine power and lift height, Wacker Neuson compact track loaders are a small but mighty band of machines. These machines feature comfortable cabs, excellent visibility, and best-in-class service accessibility and are also designed to reduce ground pressure and disruption to the work area.

Wacker Neuson Compact Track Loader Specs

Yanmar

Experts in compact equipment, Yanmar saw the rise of compact track loaders over skid steers and knew they had to join the market. Yanmar has one CTL currently on the market with the TL100VS, a vertical lift, large-frame machine. They also have three models releasing soon, the TL65RS, TL75VS, and TL80VS, of which the first is a radial lift loader and the last two are vertical lift loaders. Because they are yet to be released, some specs are missing.

Yanmar Compact Track Loader Specs

Renting a Compacting Track Loader

As mentioned, ROC, engine power, lift height, and weight are the most important factors to consider when choosing the right piece of equipment for your job site. We hope this guide has helped you figure out what size of CTL you need.

Whether you’re searching for a small, medium, or large CTL from Bobcat, Cat, Takeuchi, John Deere, Manitou, Kubota, Wacker Neuson, GEHL, CASE, or ASV, you can find your next compact track loader rental from DOZR.

Next, check out our skid steer spec guide to help you pick out the perfect skid steer rental.

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